Assessment of PTSD
Only a medical or mental health professional can determine if you have PTSD. If you answer "yes" to at least three of the items in the screening test below, you should be evaluated for PTSD.
PTSD Screening Test
In your life, have you ever had any experience that was so frightening, horrible, or upsetting that, in the past month, you:
- Have had nightmares about the experience or thought about it when you did not want to?
- Tried hard not to think about the experience or avoided situations that reminded you of it?
- Were constantly on guard, watchful, or easily startled?
- Felt numb or detached from others, activities, or your surroundings?
If you think that you have PTSD, talk with your doctor or get an evaluation from a mental health professional.
Remember, most people have some symptoms after a trauma. It is important to seek help if:
- symptoms interfere with your life
- symptoms are not getting better over time
